Rivers: Wike Reclaims Political Influence as Fubara Allies Boycott Local Government Elections

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has successfully regained control of the political structure in Rivers State following his prolonged rift with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

On Saturday, Wike reestablished his dominance during the local government elections organized by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. The polls marked a new chapter after months of political turmoil that destabilized Rivers politics.

Background of the Political Crisis

Last year, at the height of the Rivers State political conflict, Governor Fubara conducted a controversial local government election. His loyalists, running under the Action Peoples Party (APP), swept through the polls, securing victory in 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions.

However, this victory was short-lived. On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court nullified the election after an appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a ruling delivered by Justice Jamilu Tukur, the apex court held that the election violated an earlier Federal High Court order, which had barred RSIEC from holding council elections until the voter register was updated.

Suspension of Fubara and Tinubu’s Peace Deal

As tensions escalated, President Bola Tinubu intervened on March 18, 2025, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months in a bid to restore stability.

A reconciliation meeting was later held at the Rivers State Government House, with President Tinubu brokering peace between Wike and Fubara. Reports confirmed that part of the agreement was to reinstate Wike’s loyalists into the local government system. This settlement eventually led to the fresh elections conducted last weekend.

How Wike’s Loyalists Took Back Power

Ahead of the new elections, Wike’s allies, many of them former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, defected to the APC faction led by Chief Tony Okocha. They secured APC tickets to contest for chairmanship positions, a move political analysts believe positions Wike to dominate both APC and PDP structures before the 2027 general elections.

According to reports, candidates linked to Wike ran under the APC in 20 LGAs, while three contested on the PDP platform—particularly in Obio-Akpor (Wike’s base), Port Harcourt, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni. Although official results were yet to be released, it was evident that Wike’s loyalists were in firm control.

Fubara and His Supporters Boycott Polls

Governor Fubara, who is expected to return to office on September 18, 2025, was absent during the exercise. His close allies, including Chief of Staff Edison Ehie and Secretary to the State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo, also refrained from participating.

The 23 former local government chairmen removed by the Supreme Court equally boycotted the polls, further clearing the path for Wike’s camp. One of Fubara’s loyalists, speaking anonymously, said there was “no need to waste time voting since the winners were already known.” He also revealed that Fubara, currently out of the country, accepted the power shift as part of the peace agreement with Wike and President Tinubu.

According to him, “Governor Fubara believes peace is more important than holding on to power. He was willing to sacrifice even his position for stability in Rivers State. But it is unprecedented that a sitting governor can be suspended by the president.”

Election Apathy and Voter Frustration

Despite the political maneuvering, the election witnessed low voter turnout across Rivers State. By mid-morning in Obio-Akpor LGA’s Ward 17 Unit 054, no voter had shown up.

Residents expressed frustration, alleging electoral malpractice. A voter, Wisdom Kagbara, claimed ballot papers were being thumb-printed for APC candidates. Another resident, Grace Agba, said most citizens did not see the need to vote, as results had allegedly been predetermined.

Many described the exercise as “a selection, not an election,” criticizing the process as a waste of resources since Wike’s victory was seen as inevitable following the agreement brokered at the national level